What Trial Lawyers Need to Know About Appellate Practice in Virginia

October 3 –  Noon - 1:30 pm
Free webinar

Supreme Court of Virginia Justice Stephen R. McCullough will join VTLA member Craig Curwood and Virginia’s former Solicitor General Michelle Kallen to present an overview of the expansion of appellate rights in the Commonwealth. Their unique expertise will provide practical tips for any member looking to get involved in an appeal.

Register here!

This free webinar is presented by the Metropolitan Washington Lawyers Association (MWELA) Bench Bar Committee and is co-sponsored by the Virginia Employment Lawyers Association (VELA) and VTLA. No CLE credit is offered.

Paralegal Leadership election

If you are interested in serving as the next Paralegal Secretary, please send an email with your headshot and a few sentences about why you are interested in the position to kparrish@vtla.com. The deadline to put your name in for consideration is October 18th.

Annual Seminar is back in a new location!
Plans are nearly complete for the 2024 Paralegal Seminar on November 14 in Fredericksburg. We will have a social the evening of November 13 for those staying overnight or are local. Make your plans now, register here, and we will see you soon! 

• Reghan Cutler*
• Luke McClure*
• Humberto Portellez

* Paralegal member

Custody, visitation, emerging issues
September 26 – Richmond and Virtual

Why should you attend this updated family law seminar? Because it’s 2024!

Today’s issues are more complicated than ever and changing even more often. A family law practice just isn’t the same as the term “family” continues to evolve. Attend this seminar and get up to date with practitioners and judges who are on the forefront of these issues. Click here for the complete agenda, and then...

Register here to attend in person or here to attend virtually - don’t be left behind.

You will receive your membership dues renewal email soon, so let’s take a quick look at what's new for you in 2025!

VTLA is leaning in to be your invaluable resource in practicing law. We have a new Solo and Small Firm Section to support your business, kicking off at our retreat in October.

VTLA has substantive sections in these areas: Appellate, Business, Civil Rights, Consumer, Criminal, Employment, Family, Long-Term Care, Product Liability, Professional Negligence, Social Security, Workers’ Compensation and now - Solo and Small Firms.

We look forward to connecting with you through our Sections, any of our 15 active listserves, our events or even a committee meeting. Stay tuned for updates in advocacy in the new year and watch for innovative education programs to keep you at the top of your game.

Virginia Lawyers Weekly has announced the Leaders in the Law and Up & Coming Lawyers Class of 2024. Congratulations to all, and especially our VTLA members:

• Brian C. Drummond, Whitestone Young, Fairfax
• Erin Jewell, Harty Jewell, Newport News
• Adam Harris Lotkin, Rutter Mills, Norfolk
• Bryan L. Meadows, Marks & Harrison, Fredericksburg
• Juli M. Porto, Blankingship & Keith, Fairfax
• Sarah Robb, Sarah Robb Law, Richmond

Up & Coming Lawyers from VTLA:

• Melissa Dragone, Masterman Krogmann, McLean
• Andreá N. Dunlap, Bischoff Martingayle, Norfolk
• Danielle B. Kent, Allen Allen Allen & Allen, Mechanicsville
• Sarah Nelson, Phillips & Peters, Norfolk
• Emily Strak, The Law Firm of Carlton F. Bennett, Virginia Beach
• Mary Margaret Thacker, Sharp Litigation, Harrisonburg

**Updated note! You sharpened your pencils, and you were ready to click...but we did not make that easy for you. Click below to sign up for these great programs now.

Sharpen your pencils! VTLA has at least one program this fall that will absolutely affect your practice. Look for details in the items below, but suffice it to say, you will hear from knowledge experts in substantive areas and in business and management areas, regardless of your practice focus. 

Here’s a quick glance:

• Family Seminar (in person - virtual) on emerging issues - September 26
• Appellate practice for trial lawyers webinar - October 3
• Intersectionality - how different practice areas cross can benefit or damage your case (in person - virtual) - October 17
• Solo and Small Firm Retreat - October 25-26
• VTLA-VADA Free Ethics Hour - October 29
• Workers Compensation Retreat - November 1-2
• Annual Paralegal Seminar - November 14
• Ascend Summit: Advancing Women in Law - November 14-15 (registration coming soon!)
• And the Never-Should-Miss Annual Convention - March 19-22, 2025

Hope to see you soon!

Planning is well under way for the 2025 Annual Convention and you won't want to miss it! The recent total renovation of The Homestead will be the remarkable backdrop for education, catching up with friends, making new friends and all the inspiration that comes from a VTLA Convention. Mark off the dates on your calendar - Wednesday, March 19 through Saturday morning, March 22. Watch for details later this year.

Our friends at the Maryland Association for Justice are holding a Depositions College October 18-19 and have graciously extended their member discount to members of VTLA. Check out the speakers (you will know some of these names!) and grab this opportunity. Space is limited, so secure your spot today here. During check out please enter code MDDEPO in the upper right-hand corner to receive MAJ member pricing. 

VTLA is seeking nominations for our Distinguished Service Award, Lifetime Achievement Award and the Oliver White Hill Courageous Advocate Award. These honors will be presented at the Convention in March. The deadline for nominations is Friday, October 4.

Please consider nominating a legal giant today! Click on each of the award names above for the full descriptions and email Valerie O'Brien with your nominations.
 

• Nicholas Beck
• Renee Ann Blocker
• Collin Chayce Crookenden
• Ron G. Kramer II
• Luke Needleman
• Lael Angela Pierce
• Katie Portillo Rivera*
• Matthew Roberson

* Paralegal member